FASTag rule change for persons with disabilities will make toll exemption more convenient from October 2, 2026.
The central government has revised the process for issuing discounted FASTags to reduce repeated formalities for eligible beneficiaries.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the changes aim to bring greater uniformity to the discounted FASTag process across the country.
FASTag Rule Change for PWDs
Under the revised rules, vehicles specially designed and manufactured for persons with disabilities, as well as vehicles registered under the Divyangjan ownership category, can receive discounted FASTags.
The validity of these tags will be linked to the percentage of disability recorded in the beneficiary’s disability certificate, Unique Disability ID card or another valid document.
Previously, eligible persons had to renew their discounted FASTag every year. The new system removes this annual renewal requirement and provides longer validity based on the applicable disability percentage.
FASTag Validity Based on Disability
Discounted FASTags issued to beneficiaries with 70% to 100% disabilities will remain valid for five years.
For beneficiaries with less than 70% but not less than 40% disability, the FASTag will be valid for three years.
Once the specified validity period ends, eligible beneficiaries can renew their tags according to the applicable eligibility conditions and provisions of the National Highway Fee Rules, 2008.
The revised system is intended to reduce paperwork and repeated applications for people who qualify for toll exemption under the applicable rules.
Government Explains the New System
The government said the revised process will make the national highway tolling system more accessible, transparent and user-friendly for persons with disabilities.
The changes are also intended to ensure that toll exemptions are provided according to established eligibility conditions and rules.
The government has separately highlighted the growing use of FASTag services. The FASTag annual pass, which was launched on August 15 of the previous year, has crossed 10 million users, according to the government.
FASTag Annual Pass Also Available
The annual pass is available for non-commercial vehicles and can be activated by paying a one-time fee through the Highway Travel app.
The pass provides validity for one year or up to 200 toll plaza crossings for a one-time payment of ₹3,075. It is designed to reduce the need for frequent FASTag recharges for eligible users.
The new discounted FASTag rules for persons with disabilities and the annual pass are separate facilities, with their own eligibility conditions and applicable provisions.
